Dvorak’s Cello Concerto from Pieter Wispelwey, BFO and Fischer

Welcome to ‘Dodd’s DSD Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly.

I love Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and I have since I first heard it in the 1962 recording with Janos Starker, backed by Dorati and the LSO. I would never want to be without it, but this one with Pieter Wispelwey, backed by Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra is my choice for a modern, DSD recording.

They have some similarities– both avoid the “heroic” treatment that some give the piece. Wispelwey, and Starker both feature more structural clarity, without sacrificing warmth. This is not to say that the Wispelwey is identical to the Starker, but rather that they both share the attributes of clarity and agility without falling into mechanical coldness. One critic expresses it this way: It’s like a chamber version, writ large!

If you are looking for an attractive and compelling modern alternative to the traditional big-tone romantic performances, I think you’ll like this one with Pieter Wispelwey and Fischer’s BFO,

And the Channel Classics DSD recording is unsurpassed. All in all, a wonderful release!

If you prefer a more romantic approach, check out this excellent recording as well: